IPL 2024: Royal Challengers Bengaluru strongest predicted playing XI against Rajasthan Royals, Eliminator

In the Eliminator of the IPL 2024, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will be taking on Rajasthan Royals (RR). The match is set to take place at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on the 22nd of May. Both teams have had a contrasting journey in the league. In their first eight matches, RR won 7 and lost just one. On the other hand, RCB managed to win only one and lost seven of their first eight matches. The turnaround of both sides since then has been unbelievable, to say the least. They have had totally different results since then.

In the last six matches, RR has won just one match and lost four. Their most recent game against KKR ended without a result due to rain. RCB had to win all their matches to qualify for the playoffs. And they did exactly that! The three-time finalists beat SRH which marked their winning run. They later went on to beat GT twice, PBKS, DC, and CSK in their last few matches to enter the playoffs. Against all odds, RCB has made an insane comeback.

In the month of May, RR has not won a game and RCB has not lost any. That sums up the story between the two sides. Momentum is a big factor in cricket. Given their campaign so far, RCB has had great momentum in the last few games. RR looks to be down and out with lack of confidence. For RR to beat RCB, they must bring their best performance. They need the players to be at their best. RCB just need to continue to do what they have been doing in the last few matches.

Also Check: RCB vs RR Dream11 Prediction,

Here is the strongest predicted playing XI of RCB for the Eliminator of the IPL 2024 against RR -

Openers - Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis (C)

Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli have been good so far for the Royal Challengers. The duo has been one of the main reasons behind the turnaround of RCB in the season. Their opening partnership has helped batters follow them to play the way they want. An interesting aspect of their batting is their adaptability. For most parts of the season, they were aggressive. But in the last match against CSK, when they needed to bat watchfully, they did and were successful in it.

Faf du Plessis can smash the bowlers from his end. The skipper can take the game away from the opposition in a matter of a few overs. However, against spin, he struggles a bit. Virat Kohli is currently topping the Orange Cap charts with 708 runs to his name in 14 innings. A desperate win would require their opening duo to fire from the word go, whether it is for batting first or chasing the target set by RR. Dismissing the duo is a difficult task for the bowlers. 

Also Check: Orange Cap in IPL 2024- Most Runs

Middle Order - Rajat Patidar, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Suyash Prabhudessai (Impact substitute), and Mahipal Lomror

In the middle order, RCB has a mix of emerging and experienced batters. Rajat Patidar has batted well in the last few matches. The right-handed batter was not in the best form coming into the tournament. Even in the first 4-5 games, Patidar did not have a great time but has managed to find form. His batting form is crucial for the success of RCB. Suyash Prabhudessai is likely to be the Impact Player who can bat anywhere from number 4 to number 8.

Dinesh Karthik is the designated finisher of RCB. The wicketkeeper-batter has been one of the best finishers in the season and has been good with the glovework as well. Mahipal Lomror is another middle-order batter for the Bengaluru-based franchise. The Southpaw played a fine, match-defining cameo for the home side in one of the previous encounters. If required, he can be handy with the ball as well. In the absence of Will Jacks, RCB need their batters to be at their best.

Click Here: RCB vs RR, Eliminator - Live Cricket Score

All-rounders - Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green

As a unit, RCB has some of the most formidable all-rounders in their squad. In fact, the firepower that their all-rounders possess can't be taken lightly by any opposition. The return of Glenn Maxwell after a short break bolsters their unit even further. The Australian cricketer is a proven match-winner and played well in the last game. His 16(5) and 1/25 helped RCB to have control over the game. In big matches, he is expected to step up and do well for the three-time finalists.

Another Aussie, Cameron Green, has returned to form after not being able to do well in the first half. The star player has played a key role in RCB's wins in the last three matches. Against PBKS, he finished well for RCB by scoring 46(27). Against DC, he scored 32*(24) on a slow wicket and bowled well to claim 1/19. In the virtual knockout game against CSK, he scored 38*(17) and claimed 1/18. In the Eliminator game in 2023, he batted well and helped MI to beat LSG.

Also Check: Who will win today’s IPL match between RCB vs RR?

Bowlers - Karn Sharma, Yash Dayal, Mohammed Siraj, and Swapnil Singh

With the new ball, they have the pair of Mohammed Siraj and Yash Dayal. The former has been out of rhythm, conceding the bulk of runs, especially during the powerplay. Given how he performed in 2023, it is difficult to believe his figures in 2024. Meanwhile, Yash Dayal has been doing well in the last few games. His spell against CSK was decisive. If not for him, RCB would not have been able to defend the required amount of runs to have a better net run rate than CSK.

In the spin bowling department, RCB has a gem in Swapnil Singh. Since his entry into the playing XI, RCB is yet to lose a game. It has a lot to do with his bowling. He has been economical and wicket-taking at the same time. The left-arm orthodox spinner will play a key role against RR batters. At the other end, RCB has Karn Sharma who has had a mixed bag season so far. On his day, Karn can win matches on his own both as a batter and as a bowler. Otherwise, he can have nightmarish performances.

Also Check: Purple Cap in IPL 2024 - Most Wickets

RCB XI against RR -

Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (C), Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Yash Dayal, Mohammed Siraj, Swapnil Singh

Impact Substitute: Suyash Prabhudessai